SHAKY FEELIN’, STEADY GROUND
Published in the September 6, 2025 issue.
In a world full of Grateful Dead and Phish cover bands, Ventura-based jam band Shaky Feelin’ is carving its own path, steering away from nostalgia to define its own sound.
The band, returning to June Lake Jam Fest on Saturday for the eighth time, blends groove-driven double drums, searing guitar solos and rich keys into memorable originals. Formed more than a decade ago, the lineup today features Mark Masson on vocals and guitar, Jeff Hiller on the bass, Paul Menchaca drums and Cameron Probe on percussion.
With five albums to its name, the band feels readier than ever to push their music to the next level, said Hiller, who first joined in 2015 after answering a Craigslist ad.
“We’re trying to do what many others are not doing, or are afraid to do, because they’re playing in tribute bands,” he said. “We’re doubling down on being original; truly improvisational.”
That originality defines their live shows. With a vast repertoire, Shaky Feelin’ mixes older tracks with fresh sounds, creating sets that evolve night to night. It’s a formula that’s earned them a loyal following, and June Lake Jam Fest has become a home-away-from-home for them.
The festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year and benefitting June Lake Arts, offers a mix of new talent and familiar faces.
“I always say it feels like going back to summer camp,” Hiller said. “There’s this core group of bands and fans who come back every year. You’re camping, having lunch together, and it’s just a really cool scene.”
Often slotted just before the headliner, Shaky Feelin’ thrives on the festival’s golden-hour energy.
“It’s honestly the best time to play,” Hiller said. “The sun’s going down, but everyone’s still fresh.”
For Hiller personally, those moments have grown more profound. Now in his 50s, he has shifted from playing under the influence of a few beers to performing sober, a change that’s transformed his connection to the music.
“I feel like I’m on acid and I haven’t taken any drugs. It’s just from the energy in the room,” he said. “Sadly, I robbed myself of that for so long.”
That newfound maturity runs through the whole band. After more than a decade together, they’ve weathered personnel changes, personal losses, and family milestones. Hiller himself stepped away for nine months after his wife passed away, only returning for the pandemic-era June Lake livestream. Through it all, the group has stayed intact.
“We’re definitely family at this point. We are what we are. I don’t really see the lineup changing. I mean, we really are… a band,” he said.
As the band members’ kids have grown older and life has steadied, they have found more space to play and more cohesion onstage. Their communication has gotten better, and they know when to give each other space so the jam doesn’t fall apart. They’ve grown together.
That growth has sparked new ambitions. For the first time, Shaky Feelin’ is seriously eyeing a wider tour.
“Six years ago, if we’d tried to tour, we probably would have killed each other,” Hiller admitted. “Now, I think we can handle it. We’re more mature, less substance-oriented. If something’s going to happen for us, now’s the time.”
He’s quick to point out that June Lake Jam Fest makes it easy for bands like his to shine. Organizers at June Lake Arts have fostered a unique environment where musicians are treated like family, he said.
“At a lot of festivals, once you’re off stage, it’s ‘move on, next band,’” Hiller said. “At June, they make you feel welcome the whole time. They really care, and I think that’s a huge part of why everyone loves coming back.”
This year, between Jam Fest and his own wedding celebration, Hiller has plenty on his plate. But for him, the chance to connect deeply with music and community is worth it.
